Depression Induced by Suicide: Characteristics, Triggers, and Further Insights
Suicidal depression, also known as depression with suicidal ideation, is a serious mental health condition that requires immediate attention. This article aims to provide an overview of the signs, risk factors, and treatment options for suicidal depression.
Signs of Suicidal Depression
Signs of suicidal depression can vary from person to person, but common indicators may include expressions of feelings of being trapped, hopelessness or worthlessness, a lack of a sense of belonging or purpose, helplessness, anger, anxiety, severe mood swings, a sudden shift toward a happier or calmer demeanor after showing signs of suicidality, behaviors that may have harmful effects, withdrawal from loved ones, visits or calls to say goodbye, making arrangements for their death, looking for ways to die, giving away items they value, and a strong association between passive suicidal ideation and suicide attempts and preliminary evidence of a comparably strong association with suicide deaths.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing suicidal thoughts include genetics, biochemistry, environmental factors such as poverty, abuse, neglect, and other forms of trauma, personality and lifestyle factors such as low self-esteem and extreme stress.
Treatment Options
Treatment for suicidal depression often includes a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and specialized brain stimulation therapies.
- Medication: Antidepressants are often used to treat depression. However, when depression is resistant or suicidal thoughts are present, medication alone may be insufficient and combined with other treatments.
- Psychotherapy: Several therapy modalities are effective for suicidal depression: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps reframe negative thoughts and manage distressing emotions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on tolerating distress and managing intense emotions, especially useful in reducing suicidal ideation. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) also support emotional regulation and relationship improvements, which can reduce suicidality.
- Brain Stimulation Therapies: For treatment-resistant or severe depression with suicidality, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) involves electrically induced seizures under anesthesia and is considered highly effective. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and repetitive TMS (rTMS) use magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas involved in mood regulation and are noninvasive options with good efficacy and few side effects. Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS), Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) are more advanced neuromodulation techniques, mainly for treatment-resistant cases, though some require further evidence.
- Natural and Lifestyle Treatments: Mindfulness meditation, exercise, and building social support can supplement medical and psychological treatments, but should not replace professional help in suicidal depression.
Prevention and Help
Following a personalized treatment plan for depression may help with preventing suicidal thoughts. If suicidal thoughts are present, it is critical to seek immediate professional help. Treatment plans are typically personalized, combining therapies and sometimes hospitalization for safety during crisis moments.
Passive suicidal ideation is when a person has thoughts about death or suicide with no direct plans to engage in suicidal behavior. The clinical importance of passive suicidal ideation is not fully understood. If someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves, they or another person should call 911.
In 2021, about 14.5 million adults in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode that impaired their daily functioning. Suicide accounted for approximately 47,511 deaths in the U.S. in 2021.
Help is available for those experiencing suicidal ideation or thoughts of suicide. Resources include the 988 Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, Befrienders Worldwide, and local emergency services. For more research-backed information and resources on mental health and well-being, visit a dedicated hub.
In the context of health-and-wellness and mental health, signs of suicidal depression can include expressions of feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, a lack of a sense of belonging or purpose, and behaviors that may have harmful effects.
When dealing with suicidal depression, a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and brain stimulation therapies, such as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), may be effective treatment options. If someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts, immediate professional help should be sought to ensure their safety.
